Action Alert

Senator Craig is going to offer an amendment to exempt CAFOs from requirements to report toxic chemical releases.

When you call explain that you oppose exempting large livestock operations from toxic chemical reporting. We want Senator Harkin to take a leading role in fighting this amendment.

The Sierra Club believes that this is coming up as an amendment to EPA's appropriations bill on Tuesday. Senator Harkin is on the Appropriations committee.  The Senate switchboard number is 202-224-3121.  While a call to the D.C. offices you may call a state office.
The numbers are:
Des Moines   515-284-4574
DC   202-224-3254
Cedar Rapids   319-365-4504
Davenport  563-322-1338
Dubuque   563-582-2130
Sioux City   712-252-1550

The amendment would exempt larger livestock operations from having to
report their toxic emssions, like ammonia and hydrogen sulfide.  Small
facilities don't create enough emissions to report, but the larger
facilities can release as much toxic chemicals into the air as chemical
factories.

According to the Iowa Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations Air Quality
Study, "Hydrogen sulfide and ammonia are recognized degradation products of
animal manure and urine.  Both of these gases have been measured in the
general vicinity of livestock operations at concentrations of potential
health concern for rural residents, under prolonged exposure."

The state of Iowa is beginning to take steps to address air pollution from
CAFOs.  This amendment would undermine state efforts to protect people's
health.

We want Senator Harkin to take a leading role in fighting this amendment.




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